US says “robust range of military options’ exist to deter Iran”
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – On Friday, Gen. Kenneth F. McKenzie Jr., commander of U.S. Central Command, said that the US has a “very robust range of military options” to deter Iran.
In an interview with Financial Times, the US military commander for the Middle East said the US has “very robust range of military options to deter Iran,” describing Iran saying, “Iran gravely underestimates us if they believe they’re going to be able to continue attacking and cause casualties in Iraq and Syria.”
“and still be able to conduct nuclear negotiations with us without any effect……… We retain an ability to reinforce very, very rapidly should it become necessary. And I think that fact’s not lost on [Iran],” General Frank McKenzie added.
At US president Joe Biden’s direction, White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan received a briefing by Pentagon leaders in October on a full set of military options available to ensure that Iran would not be able to produce a nuclear weapon, according to a person familiar with the matter.
McKenzie said diplomatic engagement was the “first and best track” to address Iran’s fast-developing nuclear program and military capabilities, which he said spans ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and lethal drones.
“Let me be very clear: it’s our design and intent that diplomacy lead right now. That is the best path forward for everyone and Iran just needs to realize that,” he noted.
Earlier, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said “We will have no choice but to take additional measures against Iran……in the event that diplomacy fails.”
US State Department spokesman Ned Price said that Washington believes in the possibility of restoring the nuclear agreement with Iran, but is discussing alternative solutions with its allies.
This statement came against the backdrop of Vienna’s resumption of the seventh round of negotiations on restoring the nuclear agreement, which the United States withdrew from during the presidency of Donald Trump.
Price noted that the United States is not setting a timetable for negotiations, but warns that the window of opportunity for an agreement is gradually closing.
On Thursday, the meeting of the Joint Committee on the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) on the Iranian nuclear program was held at the level of political directors in Vienna, and this was the second official meeting of the Committee within the framework of the seventh round of negotiations.